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Whether treating a toddler in an emergency or supporting a teen through chemotherapy treatments, we are dedicated to the care of each patient. It’s through teamwork at every level of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta and with you, the family, that we are able to achieve excellence in pediatric care.

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With a proven track record of providing world-class care to patients in more than 30 pediatric specialties, we are a model for other pediatric hospitals. Infants, teens and young adults belong in a children’s hospital where they can get specialized treatment from caregivers who know the important differences between children and adults.

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At Strong4Life, created by Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, our doctors, nutritionists and wellness experts create fun, easy ways to help your kids eat, move and live healthier. From picky eaters to passionate gamers, we have a slew of simple tips by experts who understand, because we’re parents, too.

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Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis is an inflammatory disease that occurs in the colon. It is characterized by the inflammation and ulceration of the innermost lining of the colon and most commonly affects the left side of the colon and the rectum. Ulcerative colitis is usually found in people ages 15 to 40, however, younger children sometimes develop ulcerative colitis.

Did You Know?

Ulcerative colitis is more common than Crohn’s disease.

Symptoms

The symptoms of ulcerative colitis will vary from person to person. Some symptoms may include:

Cramps/abdominal pain

Diarrhea or rectal urgency

Rectal bleeding

Fever

Loss of appetite

Weight loss

Anemia

Constipation

Poor growth

In some cases, this condition can involve other complications such as joint pain, eye problems, skin rash or liver disease. However, these complications are more common with Crohn’s disease.

Causes

While the specific cause of ulcerative colitis is unknown, it has been suggested that the following factors may increase the risk of developing ulcerative colitis:

Heredity: having an immediate family member (such as a parent or sibling) with ulcerative colitis increases the risk

Immune system: a child’s immune system may overreact to normal intestinal bacteria causing the inflammation

Disease causing bacteria and viruses

How is Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosed?

Ulcerative colitis is relatively easy to diagnose through a complete medical history, physical exam and diagnostic procedures which may include:

Colonoscopy: long, flexible instrument (containing a light and camera) examines the inside of the large intestine

Stool sample: checks for blood and signs of bacterial infection, parasites or the presence of white blood cells

Barium enema or abdominal X-ray

Computed tomography (CT) scan

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Treatment

While there is no cure currently available, ulcerative colitis can usually be controlled with home treatment and medication. Some children may be able control mild symptoms by simply altering their diet to avoid foods that upset their stomach.

Medications

Mild symptoms may be helped by anti-diarrhea medications that reduce inflammation in the colon

More severe symptoms may require steroids, antibiotics or other medications that suppress the immune system

Medication is the treatment of choice for most patients. Medications can control and/or prevent inflammation a child’s intestines and help:

Relieve symptoms

Promote the healing of damaged tissue

Put the disease in remission

Keep the disease from flaring up

Postpone surgery

Surgery

If a child experiences severe symptoms and does not respond to medication, he may need surgery to remove all or part of his colon.